Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-12-09

ye: average the whole. the ratio Is only nine
cents per thousand gallons and S3l6 per horse
powcr for boiler use. (Bchmond. l5 and 1G)
We further find that In ntty-nine cities In the
United States there are only three or four that
charge rs much or more for water rates than
Richmond, and an the rest less by from one
sixth 10 60 per cent
President Ainslie said that this was
one of the most valuable reports ever
made to this body.
The Hon. George l.. Christian con-
Cured in this estimate, and moved that
Mr.. Myers's committee bring the matter
to the attention of the City Council,
with authority 10 the committee TO have
done the necessary printing. Agreed to.
Mr.. II. A. Dunlop asked if the figure
for horsepower, as asked for, was as low
as it should be }?
Mr.. Myers said probably not, but the
committees idea was not to ask for too
much.
Mr.. Hargrove said that he was sure
that if the subject is brought to the at
tention of the City Council it would be
referred TO the Committee on Water and
receive thoughtful attention.
Mr.. Bowe and Mr.. Crenshaw said the
rate on elevators worked by water was
practically prohibitory.
From what was said by members gene
rally it was clear that manufacturers
had no doubt been driven from here by
excessive water charges.
Mr.. !. j. Montague doubted il the
horsepower plan of taxing was a
good one. A better plan might be adopt
ed.
On motion of Hon. George /. Chris
tian it was resolved that the report be
agreed 10 and that the Council be peti-
toned to adopt the Buffalo rates-3 cents
per 1000 gallons and 81 per horse
power.
The opinion was that il our works are
what is claimed for them we should fur
nish water as cheaply as any city III the
land. In the list above are cities that
bring their water forty miles.
JAMES RIVER.
On motion the action of President
Ainslie in appointing Major p. A. Well
ford representative Of the Chamber to
watch our interests at Washington for
some days to come was approved.
Major Wexford left here yesterday
evening.
Mr. Burgwyn, being present with a
great number Of interesting maps Illus
trative OF the James-Iiver Improvement
scheme, was invited to address the board,
and gave it large number of facts
showing that the improvement is perma-
nent the wing-dams are successful in
forcing the stream to do itSown dredging
that the money voted by the city and the
General Government has been well spent,
and that the scheme OF improvement is
practical and can be effected at reason
able expense. With twenty five feet OF
water in the river the City of Rome could
come up to this city.
Mr.. Burewyn outlined the possibili-
! ties OF great dock scheme on the flats
ON the south side of the river opposite
the city.
Thanks were voted Mr. Burgwyn for
his statements.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Mr.. Edward Cohen addressed tue
/ Chamber of Commerce on the desira-
/ bility of making the Richmond Fire
! Department free from political control
and place same under non-partisan man
agement. He gave many facts, and
urged many arguments to demonstrate
that board similar to the Police Board
could better manage the Fire Department
than u council committee, as at present.
The Legislature would elect the first
board, and rs their terms, one by one,
expired, the Council, on recommends
ton OF the Board OF Public Interests,